WOODVALE EVENTS ANNOUNCE AMALGAMATION
OF OCEAN ROWING RACES

Woodvale Events today (Wednesday 18 August 2004) announced that the Ocean Rowing Society Atlantic Rowing Regatta 2006 would amalgamate with the Atlantic Rowing Race 2005.

Organised by Woodvale Events and supported by the Ocean Rowing Society, the amalgamated will start from La Gomera, Canary Islands in November 2005.  The Race will now consist of three classes for solo, pairs and fours crews, who will compete on equal terms across a 2,935 mile (2,550nm/4723km) route, finishing in Antigua, West Indies approximately 55 - 65 days later.

The Atlantic Rowing Race was first run in 1997, then organised by Sir Chay Blyth’s Challenge Business.  Seven years and three events later, the Race is still going strong with a further 50 teams already entered in the Atlantic Rowing Race 2005, from all around the world including New Zealand, France, Denmark, America and the Ukraine.

Woodvale Events Managing Director, Simon Chalk himself is no stranger to the sport of Ocean Rowing.  Simon, with partner George Rock competed against 29 other crews in the first Atlantic Rowing Race back in 1997.  More recently, Simon became the first Briton and youngest person ever to row single handed across the Indian Ocean.  Simon comments:

“We’re absolutely delighted that the Ocean Rowing Society has chosen to amalgamate its Atlantic Rowing Regatta with our Atlantic Rowing Race.  Together, we can continue to develop the unique sport of ocean rowing, making it available to a wider audience and whilst continuing to deliver value for money, professionally run and above all, safe adventures”.

The Ocean Rowing Society is a charitable organisation, founded in 1983 primarily to accurately record the history of ocean rowing.  With its many years of experience in the sport, the Ocean Rowing Society also offers help and advice to potential adventurers.  Kenneth F. Crutchlow, Executive Director of the Ocean Rowing Society comments:

 “I and the Ocean Rowing Society trustees believe that by amalgamating our regatta with the Atlantic Rowing Race 2005, we are best serving the interests of ocean rowing “.

 For further information and high resolution photographs, please contact:

Teresa Page                                                                                                             Supported by:

PR Manager, Woodvale Events Ltd

Tel:             +44 (0) 1364 644432

Fax:            +44 (0) 1364 644232

E-mail:        teresa@woodvale-events.com

URL:           www.woodvale-events.com